Early Learning and Child Care will prepare graduates for a career working with children from birth to age twelve, and their families. Research studies indicate that the first five years in the lives of children are the most critical in terms of their overall development. A commitment to this worthwhile profession will have long term benefits to young children, their families and the community in which they live and work.

Graduates of the program have excellent opportunities for employment in a variety of different early childhood settings including child care centers, family day homes, nursery schools, inclusive child care programs, kindergartens, and out-of-school programs. Diploma graduates of Early Learning and Child Care are highly sought after by employers and have excellent opportunities to advance in their careers.

Students may complete Early Learning and Child Care programs in a number of ways:

Full or part-time study at regularly scheduled times on campus and in local practicum settings such as a child care centre, kindergarten classroom, or preschool.

By distance education. All courses required to complete the Early Learning and Child Care curriculum are available by or online delivery.

Early Learning and Child Care Certificate graduates qualify for certification as a Child Development Worker through Alberta Children and Youth Services (www.child.alberta.ca). Students with a Diploma qualify for certification as a Child Development Supervisor through Alberta Children and Youth Services.

Admission Requirements

Students who are admitted to the program will receive information on recommended immunizations with their admission package. For student safety, it is recommended that immunizations are up to date. All students, with the exception of online students, are required to submit a police information check, including a vulnerable sector clearance, on the first day of classes. Failure to do so will result in withdrawal from the practicum courses in the program.

Certificate Program Admission Requirements

To be accepted into this program, applicants must have an Alberta Education High School Diploma or equivalent with successful completion of English 30-1 or 30-2.

If applicants are 18 years of age or older and do not have these prerequisites, they should contact Admissions.

Diploma Program Admission Requirements

Successful completion of the Early Learning and Child Care certificate program.

Part-Time Student Admission

Students may enrol in up to three courses without admission to the program. Students may be considered for admission to the program if they have successfully completed English 30-1 or English 30-2 (as per admission requirements) or a 3-credit College level English course. If they do not have the English requirement, they must register in HS1130 English as their first course.

Progression Criteria

Practicum Progression Criteria

Practicum courses are an integral part of the Early Learning and Child Care program. In practicum, students put into practice the theory they have learned. Practicum is scheduled at meaningful intervals throughout the program and students must have a current Certificate in Standard First Aid in Child Care prior to the final practicum. Once students have completed the prerequisite requirements for a practicum, they must complete the practicum before proceeding to the next level of theory. Students will require department permission to proceed to the next level of theory without the appropriate practicum.

Due to a shortage of practicum placements, students may be required to attend one or more practicums outside of Grande Prairie, in the region. Practicums can also be set up in a student's home community. Practicum must be completed in Canada.

Students who fail any practicum course more than once will not be allowed to continue in the program.

Program Progression

Student academic and practicum performance will be reviewed each semester or as required.

Students who fail two courses worth two or more credits in a semester will be placed on academic probation for the following semester.

Students who fail three courses worth two or more credits will be required to withdraw for one semester from the full-time program. Readmission to the program on a part-time basis will be subject to departmental review.

In order to progress in the program, students must achieve a minimum grade of C- in all Early Learning and Child Care courses.

If students have successfully completed the requirements for a Certificate in Early Learning and Child Care with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, they may proceed to the Diploma program. Students who successfully complete the course requirements for the Certificate with less than 2.0 GPA require permission from the Department to enroll in the Diploma program.

Graduation Requirements

Certificate Graduation Requirements

To graduate with a Certificate in Early Learning and Child Care, students must successfully complete the program requirements with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0. Courses must be current within the last ten years. If students meet these requirements, they may apply to graduate.

Diploma Graduation Requirements

To receive a Diploma in Early Learning and Child Care, students will need to successfully complete the prescribed two-year curriculum with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Courses must be current and taken within the last ten years. If students meet these requirements, they may apply to graduate.

Advanced Standing

Students with Child Development Worker Certification from Alberta Children and Youth Services may apply for Advanced Standing. Where the College is unable to offer the student advanced credit based upon previous learning or experience, the College will recommend courses the student may complete in the Early Learning and Child Care program that will facilitate their eligibility toward certification as a Child Development Supervisor from Alberta Children and Youth Services. Students wishing to qualify for an Early Learning and Child Care Diploma must complete all requirements for the diploma as stated.

Statute of Limitations on Advance Standing

Courses, with the exception of HS1130, HS1000 or CD2080 or a college-level communications or English equivalent course, must be current within the last ten years.

Post-Diploma

Degree Opportunities for Diploma GraduatesEarly Learning and Child Care Diploma graduates may be eligible for admission to a number of degree completion programs. Students interested in pursuing degree opportunities are advised to consult directly with the appropriate college or university as transfer arrangements vary from one institution to another.